Hey folks, I from over on the q45 and j30 boards. My brother is looking to buy a new "used" car. He has narrowed his choices down to a Maxima and Toyota Avalon.
I told him NICO was a good source of info and would send him a link to the board.
I would appreciate your input on the good,bad and ugly regarding late model Maximas. What to look for when buying, what to expect maintance wise, strong points, weak points, etc. comments regarding an I-30/35 as an option would be helpful as well.
He will buy this car as his families daily driver. His current car is a 92 accord clocking over 200K and will plan to keep his new car as long if possible. He is good about following owners manuals maintenance schedule.
If there is anything else I can ad let me know.
TIA for your comments.
little help on buying a used maxima
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MinisterofDOOM
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Re: little help on buying a used maxima (q45j30guy)
I can tell you from experience the 2004+ Maxima is an exceptional car. My father bought one of the very first '04s, and it has been essentially trouble-free. Aside from a couple of bad trim pieces (an inside compartment cover, crooked-hanging glovebox, and peeling paint on the plastic trim of the flying buttresses) and an issue with the BOSE system occasionally not working upon startup, it has had absoutely no issues.And this is a first-run model, before there was time to work out any "kinks". '05 and '06 models should be even more solid.
Some people complain about torque steer, but it's something you get used to, and I honestly think it's a very overstated issue. Either way, I consider it a fair tradeoff for the 255 ft lb of sweet, sweet torque.
There has been a known issue with steering wheel vibration. I actually think my dad's car has a very minor case of it. I believe that has been solved now, and dealers have a fix for it.
There was also a recall regarding rear subframe corrosion from road-salt in some areas. Only areas with heavy salt use were affected, though. North Carolina was not among the areas the recall affected.
Keep in mind that after 2003, the I35 and Maxima were no longer the same car. The I30 continued production with the old A33 chassis, while in 2004, the Maxima was redesigned using the A34 chassis, which is basically an enlarged Altima platform. The A34 is a superior chassis technologically, but the A33 is smaller and lighter. I would say that they two are equally dependable.
The I is a great car. I'm sure you're aware of the benefits of being an Infiniti owner (superb customer service, etc.). Aside from the few cosmetic differences, the I is identical to the 2000-2003 Maxima. They were very dependable cars. There weren't really any major issues. There were some issues with premature MAF and O2 sensor failures. The A33 is considered by many to be the best Maxima of all. Even with the solid rear axle (versus the A34's IRS), it's a very sporty car. Both VQs are potent, but the 3.5 is especially enjoyable.
You can buy pretty much any Maxima and know it'll last you a long, long time with basic regular maintenance. It's hard to kill the VQ, and Maxima build quality is superb.
And a little opinion tidbit:The Avalon is a buick wannabe.The Maxima is a front wheel drive BMW.
Some people complain about torque steer, but it's something you get used to, and I honestly think it's a very overstated issue. Either way, I consider it a fair tradeoff for the 255 ft lb of sweet, sweet torque.
There has been a known issue with steering wheel vibration. I actually think my dad's car has a very minor case of it. I believe that has been solved now, and dealers have a fix for it.
There was also a recall regarding rear subframe corrosion from road-salt in some areas. Only areas with heavy salt use were affected, though. North Carolina was not among the areas the recall affected.
Keep in mind that after 2003, the I35 and Maxima were no longer the same car. The I30 continued production with the old A33 chassis, while in 2004, the Maxima was redesigned using the A34 chassis, which is basically an enlarged Altima platform. The A34 is a superior chassis technologically, but the A33 is smaller and lighter. I would say that they two are equally dependable.
The I is a great car. I'm sure you're aware of the benefits of being an Infiniti owner (superb customer service, etc.). Aside from the few cosmetic differences, the I is identical to the 2000-2003 Maxima. They were very dependable cars. There weren't really any major issues. There were some issues with premature MAF and O2 sensor failures. The A33 is considered by many to be the best Maxima of all. Even with the solid rear axle (versus the A34's IRS), it's a very sporty car. Both VQs are potent, but the 3.5 is especially enjoyable.
You can buy pretty much any Maxima and know it'll last you a long, long time with basic regular maintenance. It's hard to kill the VQ, and Maxima build quality is superb.
And a little opinion tidbit:The Avalon is a buick wannabe.The Maxima is a front wheel drive BMW.
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audtatious
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Re: little help on buying a used maxima (MinisterofDOOM)
I agree with MoD except for the torque-steer. On my 5th-gen (2k2) it was pretty interesting. This can be easily lessened by installing a front Strut Tower Brace ($30 on ebay). You do get used to it. Remember, we are talking about a 255hp+ / 246TQ+ FWD car.
IMO, there is no comparison between a Maxima and a Avalon. Avalon is a simple 4-door grocery getter while the Maxima is a nice "sport" sedan. The motor within the 5th-gen (2000 +) Maxima is one of the best motors on the market and a repeat performer on Wards 10-Best engines list (12+ years). I would suggest a minimum 2k2 model (or later) so you will have the VQ35DE which is the same motor used in the 350Z, G35, M35, FX35, etc.
IMO, there is no comparison between a Maxima and a Avalon. Avalon is a simple 4-door grocery getter while the Maxima is a nice "sport" sedan. The motor within the 5th-gen (2000 +) Maxima is one of the best motors on the market and a repeat performer on Wards 10-Best engines list (12+ years). I would suggest a minimum 2k2 model (or later) so you will have the VQ35DE which is the same motor used in the 350Z, G35, M35, FX35, etc.
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MaximA32
^ I concur.
Maximas are probably one of the best built cars on the roads today. Granted, every car model from every manufacturer has its problems from the factory and you can't jsut disregard a car simply because it has issues with certain things.
Although, a 4th gen wouldn't be so bad but, then again, I may be a little biased.
Maximas are probably one of the best built cars on the roads today. Granted, every car model from every manufacturer has its problems from the factory and you can't jsut disregard a car simply because it has issues with certain things.
Although, a 4th gen wouldn't be so bad but, then again, I may be a little biased.